Lowell's art scene isn't taking a winter break. Instead, venues bustle with shows that beg visitors to get out and enjoy these creative treasures.

Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 Worthen St., presents The Modern Atelier this weekend through Feb. 23 in the Parker Gallery.

Atelier, which means "workshop" in French, was a popular form of training from the Middle Ages through the 18th and 19th centuries. It involved a professional painter or sculptor and a small number of students, who acted as apprentices.

This show features paintings and drawings from modern atelier studios -- The Water Street Atelier in New York and the John Angel Academy in Florence, Italy -- by artists Todd Casey, Carla Crawford, Angela Cunningham, Gregory Mortenson and Travis Seymour.

"Waiting" by Tom Fleming

In the Member Gallery is new artwork by Lowell native Thomas E. Fleming. He had his first one-man show at the Whistler House over 50 years ago and has worked in animation, film production and public relations.

IN ADDITION: The Gallery at Indian Hill, 36 King St., Littleton presents Coastal Glimpses, an exhibit of giclee prints by Harvard artist Jackie French Koller through the end of February, www.indianhillmusic.org for info ... The Gallery of African Art, 62 High Street, Clinton, holds free gallery tours every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. African art specialist Sulaymane Berete offers insight into the gallery collection on Thursday, Jan. 17. www.GalleryofAfricanArt.org.